Ghanaians abroad: better ways to send money home this Christmas

If you’re a Ghanaian living abroad, you already know December back home is different. The streets come alive, the trotro drivers start blasting Christmas jams, and every family WhatsApp group suddenly becomes a planning committee for “small” get-togethers that somehow turn into full parties.

As a member of the Ghanaian diaspora, you likely feel the pull: you want to send something, a gift or a gesture, to help make the season special.

But we all know that, with cost, speed, and reliability in the mix, the festive good vibes can fade if a transfer eats up too much or gets delayed. Let’s walk through how remittances to Ghana stack up, why costs matter this time of year and (most importantly) how you can send money home in smarter ways.

Also read: Best way to send US dollars to Ghana from abroad

Why December transfers matter so much for Ghanaians abroad

For many families in Ghana, Christmas remittances help cover holiday food, school preparations for January, church events, family gatherings, and the many small expenses that appear at the end of the year. Therefore, it makes sense that you want your money to arrive quickly and securely, with as much value as possible.

Smarter ways to send money home

1. Use digital money transfer services instead of traditional agents

Digital platforms have made sending money home faster and easier than ever. Instead of lining up at physical locations or relying on informal middlemen, you can now send funds in minutes.

Why digital services are better during Christmas:

• Faster transfers, often within minutes
• Lower and more transparent fees
• Better exchange rates
• Convenience of sending money anytime
• Trackable transactions for peace of mind

2. Compare exchange rates carefully

Festive seasons often bring fluctuating exchange rates. A small change can significantly affect how much your family receives in cedis.

Before sending money, compare:

• The exchange rate
• The transfer fee
• The final amount your family will receive

Choose platforms that show full transparency before you confirm.

You may also like: Here’s how to send and receive euros in Ghana

3. Pre-schedule now, send when rates are good

December’s demand = heavier FX margins. So if you have a preferred rate today, schedule the transfer in advance. Some platforms let you lock in a rate ahead of time.

• Tip: Do your transfer before major international bank holidays (around Christmas/New Year) when volumes surge.
• Consider: Sending multiple small amounts vs one large lump (sometimes cost per transfer falls).

December is traditionally a busy month for banks, fintechs, and global payment providers. Delays can be more common than usual, so sending money early can save you frustration. Even transferring a few days in advance can make a big difference.

4. Choose mobile money for fast and convenient access

Mobile money remains one of the most efficient ways for people in Ghana to receive funds. MTN MoMo, Vodafone Cash and AirtelTigo provide wide coverage and instant access.

Mobile money is especially ideal for:

• Urgent Christmas shopping
• Bill payments
• Quick cash flow for holiday preparations

If your transfer service supports MoMo payouts, it is often the quickest option.

Also read: How to send and receive British pounds in Ghana

5. Consider sending USD or other stable currencies

If you want your family to maximise value, sending funds in USD, EUR or GBP can sometimes be more advantageous. Some modern digital wallets allow you to hold multiple currencies and convert them when rates are favourable.

This gives you more control and helps your family get the best possible value.

Festive-friendly sending tips for Ghanaians abroad

• Confirm recipient details ahead of time. Mistakes cost time and often extra fees.
• Send local currency (GHS) or ask for cedi payout to avoid double conversion.
• Keep transfer receipts, screenshot everything — it helps if something goes wrong.
• Tell your family what to expect. If you send one week before Christmas, the timing vs. delivery matters.
• Avoid informal “courier” cash or risky black-market FX options. They might be cheaper, but you lose protection, traceability, and often end up with worse exchange rates.
• Budget your “Christmas send” early. With higher costs of living and gifting, plan your transfer as part of your festive budget, not an afterthought.

A smarter, easier option: send money to Ghana with Grey

Grey offers fast, secure and affordable international transfers, making it a reliable choice for Ghanaians abroad during the festive season. With Grey, you can:

• Receive payments in USD, EUR and GBP
• Send money directly to Ghanaian bank accounts
• Convert at competitive rates
• Move money across borders without unnecessary delays

It’s one of the most convenient ways to support your family this Christmas without the delays or high costs.

Take the next step

Send money home the easier way this festive season.

Download Grey today and make your Christmas transfers smooth, fast and stress-free.

Here’s to a warm, connected, and financially smarter Christmas for Ghanaians abroad and their families back home.